A new millionaire settles in the UAE every hour: Dubai real estate leads global wealth migration

The UAE has officially become the world’s top destination for wealth migration, attracting thousands of high-net-worth individuals to its thriving economy and tax-free lifestyle.

According to the newly released Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2025, the UAE is expected to welcome 9,800 new millionaires this year, an average of one every hour. This marks the third consecutive year the country leads globally in net millionaire inflow, ahead of Singapore, Australia, and the United States.

The reasons behind this surge are clear. The UAE offers zero personal income tax, no capital gains or inheritance tax, long-term Golden Visas, and unmatched political stability. Combined with elite infrastructure and global connectivity, it has made Dubai real estate one of the most attractive markets for global investors in 2025.

The report estimates that $63 billion in private wealth will flow into the UAE in 2025, much of it into Dubai’s prime property market, luxury developments, and commercial real estate sectors. This inflow reflects both economic uncertainty elsewhere and investor confidence in the UAE’s pro-business environment.

By comparison, traditional financial hubs are witnessing a sharp decline. The United Kingdom is set to lose 16,500 millionaires in 2025 alone, primarily due to tax reforms, regulatory pressures, and the removal of Non-Dom status.

Notable figures have already made the move. Billionaire shipping magnate John Fredriksen and hedge fund founder Michael Platt both relocated to Dubai, citing stability, tax efficiency, and long-term opportunity.

But this is not just about individuals. Family offices, investment firms, hedge funds, and tech startups are increasingly shifting headquarters to Dubai, positioning the city as a rising hub for global finance, innovation, and real estate investment.

“This isn’t migration; it’s a reallocation of global power,” said Dr. Salman Bin Ali, CEO of DXBA.com and Managing Partner at CBA Real Estate.

“Dubai has become the control room for tomorrow’s wealth. The most sophisticated investors aren’t guessing; they’re positioning. And they’re choosing certainty, scalability, and sovereignty. That’s what the UAE delivers.”

With each passing hour, another millionaire makes the move. Dubai is where the future is being built quietly, but definitively.